Cardiology review professor quits NHS

A top heart specialist who carried out a review of cardiology services in Rochdale has announced his decision to retire – partly in protest at changes to the NHS.

Professor Roger Boyle told the BBC’s Today Programme: “I feel in my bones the current changes are not correct, and Ministers were not prepared to change them substantially.”

Professor Boyle visited Rochdale in March to review cardiology services and concluded that interventional cardiology services could not remain at the hospital without other acute services, such as A&E.

The review recommended that a public consultation be carried out. The consultation is due to start in coming months.

Health campaigner, Councillor Jean Ashworth, said: “We are supposed to be in the middle of a review. He doesn’t agree what is going on. Where does that leave Rochdale?”

A spokesperson for Healthy Futures said Professor Boyle’s retirement wouldn’t have any impact on the consultation regarding cardiology services. He added that Professor Boyle’s job in carrying out the review was complete and the focus now is to concentrate on his recommendations.